The National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO)

Program Overview

It covers topics such as inclusive education, the role of the SENCO, and professional development. The program is delivered by SEND experts and specialists and includes online training, reflective tasks, and an action research project. Successful completion of the course leads to a PGCert in Supporting SEND Through Inclusive Practice and 60 credits towards future study at Master's level.

Program Outline

The Department for Education has announced that this qualification requirement will change to an NPQ SEN from September 2024. This is the last year this course will be offered in its current format.

• Course Design: This course is designed around the Learning Outcomes for SENCOs, specified by the Department for Education, and aims to develop expertise and confidence in the leadership of SEND in schools.
SENCOs and aspiring SENCOs on this course will have access to a fully online, high-quality and interactive programme delivered by SEND experts and specialists.
• Program Content:
• Developing Context for Inclusive Education – SENCOs will demonstrate their professional knowledge and understanding in the legislative context for SEN and will link as evidence application of theoretical concepts that underpin effective leadership and practice
• The SENCO as an Inclusive Leader– SENCOs will be required to demonstrate understanding and reflect on their expertise and capabilities needed to lead and coordinate provision effectively.
• The Critical Professional SENCO: Life & Career of a SENCO – SENCOs will be required to reflect on the personal and professional qualities needed to make a positive impact on the ethos and culture in schools and other settings.
• Modules: The program consists of the following modules:
• The SENCO as an Inclusive Leader
• The Critical Professional SENCO: Life & Career of a SENCO
• Reflective Essay
• Action Research Project
• Professional SEND Development Portfolio
• Mode of Delivery: A work-based, flexible and practical programme.
• Delivered through a combination of seminars and tutorials with input from SEND experts.
• Self-managed, work-based reflective guided tasks in relation to effectiveness in the role of SENCO.
• Termly, online support from a SENCO tutor.
• Self-supported study, assessments at Master’s level and professional reviews.
• Distance learning supported by online resources via Moodle.

Assessment:

• Trainees will meet virtually with their SENCO tutor termly and engage in weekly reflective tasks to support understanding and application of the most effective and inclusive practice as a SENCO, all matched to the SENCO Learning Outcomes.
• Completion of:
• A reflective essay
• Design, implementation and write-up of an Action Research Project
• Completion of a Professional SEND Development Portfolio (Moodle) where the focus is on the student to reflect on their own practice within their education institution in order to have met the SENCO learning outcomes

Teaching:

• The course is delivered by a highly-skilled course leader and tutor who are experts in SEND provision.
• Four high-quality training days allow personalised learning and support from leading experts in SEND.
• SENCOs will develop a deep understanding of the SEN Code of Practice and other recent policy, guidance and research and understand how to utilise this to improve SEND provision.

Careers:

• Successful completion of the course will allow SENCOs to:
• Build a professional network of other new and aspiring SENCOs.
• Achieve a PGCert in Supporting SEND Through Inclusive Practice.
• Carry 60 credits towards future study at Master’s level.

Other:

• This course is open to international colleagues who meet the entry requirements.
• Full programme specification and module breakdown
• Applicant requirements/entry requirements

Start Type 1st Year Total cost INT N/A £3,000 N/A = Not applicable Course fees do not include additional costs such as books, equipment, writing up fees and other ancillary charges. Where applicable, these additional costs will be made clear. Applicants must also pay a non-refundable £300 registration fee. Fees are invoiced for in September, at the beginning of the course, and can be paid in termly instalments or in one lump sum. Termly instalments can be arranged directly with the Finance department upon receipt of the invoice.